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June 30, 2006
Free ad for Angelides
Re: Thomas D. Elias’ June 29 commentary, “Governor’s race offers voters real alternatives”:
How much would a quarter-page ad cost to run in your paper? I figure that is how much you have contributed to the Phil Angelides campaign for governor. I hope he thanks you for your support.
— Forrest V. Friou, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:12 AM
Offer students a buffet
Re: Greg Stratton’s June 22 commentary, “School district fails its students”:
It’s beneath Mr. Stratton to use scare tactics like, “Your children are going to fail!”
Well-intentioned people mandated universal study of algebra for eighth graders; that backfired. Developmentally, many eighth graders aren’t ready. They’re forced to take algebra and fail. They learn that they’re failures. They cannot learn algebra. And many learn to hate and fear algebra all because of a scare tactic.
Do we wish to repeat the mistake with science?
I’m an elective teacher, one of many who worked with the board to avoid sacrificing electives. Science didn’t lose; electives didn’t win. Students benefited from a diverse curriculum that challenged and engaged them.
Researchers report teens need to explore ideas, try on identities, find what interests them. Children who learn to love learning something learn to love learning almost everything. Those who learn to fail face steep odds overcoming it. Finally, research shows schools offering diverse curriculum — including academics, practical arts, shops, electives like art and music and activities like physical education — earn the interest of the widest group of students.
Middle schoolers confront myriad issues. Education is one, and it doesn’t rank high. They’re dealing with growth, hormones, peers, cell phones, the Internet, drugs, identity, security, independence. For education to even be on the list, there must be powerful, positive reasons.
Had they found a reward, any reward, they’d be succeeding.
If you want student success, give reason to succeed. Give something to latch onto, to drive to success. Those things include math, English, science, social sciences, wood shop, music, art, computer, journalism, dance, drama, home economics, psychology, agriculture, writing, chess club, magic club, engineering, aeronautics, welding, carpentry, landscaping, sports, cheerleading, community service. When we take away from the buffet of educational choices offered to children, we take away from their reasons for school, for success. Conversely, we add to the reasons for failure.
The question is not “One semester or two of science?” In the movie “Field of Dreams,” they said, “If you build it, they will come.” Imagine the headlights stretching to the horizon at the movie’s end. I can promise you that if we build education that offers much, then many will want to come — and they will be greedy at our table of education. The question is, “Will we build it?”
— Stephen M. Galvin, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:31 AM
Groups condemn torture
Re: Clifford D. May’s June 29 commentary, “Rights groups turn a blind eye to terrorists' wrongs":
May claims that "the wealthiest and most powerful human rights organizations" do not regard the torture of two U.S. soldiers as "serious violations of the laws of war and fundamental human rights." To prove his point, May claims he actually looked at the organizations' Web sites. Apparently, May didn't look too hard.
On June 21, eight days before May's screed and only one day after the bodies were located, Human Rights Watch posted on its Web site: "Yesterday’s recovery of the bodies of two U.S. soldiers in Iraq, reportedly with signs of torture, highlights the serious violations of international humanitarian law (laws of war) committed by insurgent groups in Iraq."
The site continued: "Captured combatants must be treated humanely. Torture and other cruel treatment, as well as summarily executing a captured combatant, are war crimes." The organization also linked to a report on its Web site "for more information on violations of the laws of war by insurgent groups in Iraq."
May's other target, Amnesty International, similarly posted on its Web site on June 21: "We are deeply disturbed by reports that these two soldiers were brutally tortured. Amnesty International condemns the torture or summary killing of anyone who has been taken prisoner and reiterates that such acts are absolutely prohibited in international humanitarian law."
Fact-checking isn't hard. It’s just inconvenient for radical ideologues like May.
— Russell A. Burgos, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:22 AM
Teachers well-represented
Re: Suzanne Duckett’s June 23 letter, “District needs trustees like Dunn”:
I wonder where Ms. Duckett gets her "facts." Her letter is full of misinformation, much like Conejo Valley Unified School District trustee Mike Dunn. Both show complete ignorance about bargaining rules and regulations and appear to get their "facts" from the same inaccurate source. If laws are broken, doesn't Ms. Duckett think consequences should occur?
I have taught for the Conejo Valley Unified School District for more than 30 years. I cannot figure out what Ms. Duckett is talking about when she writes, "teachers should elect representatives who actually represent them." She continues by claiming that the teachers union representatives “don't even bargain for adequate health benefits." For her information, CVUSD teachers have a choice of Blue Shield or HMO, vision care and dental care. Once again, where is she getting her "facts?"
I have been was elected to several Unified Association of Conejo Teachers (UACT) positions and was our local representative to the California Teachers Association (CTA) State Council for nine years. My husband left teaching to work for CTA and bargained for UACT for many years. This position is now held by Arleigh Kidd, another ex-classroom teacher working for CTA. The teachers unions throughout the state are all run by classroom teachers. Their CTA staff people were all classroom teachers. There are no "union bosses" in CTA. Contrary to Ms. Duckett's claim, these elected teachers are certainly representing teachers' and children's interests.
Finally, many Conejo teachers celebrate Christmas. With all the problems facing public education today, why in the world would the local teachers union target Christians? Is this logical?
Mr. Dunn seems to delight in making issues out of non-issues. UACT certainly doesn't have a hidden agenda, but perhaps Mr. Dunn is acting on one.
When election time rolls around, I hope people will base their vote on actual facts. I also hope they have a long memory.
— Lesly Vick, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:16 AM
Fireworks publicity irresponsible
Re: your June 30 article, “Holiday crackdown”:
Well, The Star did it again. Its annual front page "advertisement" for the fireworks sellers in Fillmore is irresponsible. Instead of informing people where they can buy fireworks — the bulk of which will be used where they are illegal — why not do a meaningful article about the dangers of using them: fires, burns, dismemberment, etc.?
— Tom Robbins, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:59 AM
June 29, 2006
City’s future in limbo
Congratulations to the We CARE group of Santa Paula. Once again, against all odds, this group successfully defeated a residential project. Once again, it snatched defeat from the arms of victory, denying Santa Paula the substantial annual increase in revenue these projects would have generated.
Three times, this group put on its armor and fought the “evil developers.” And three times, it won. Bravo! How dare the developers offer to build a place for Santa Paula’s offspring to live? “Stop them!” We CARE cried. “Stop them” from building a variety of modern homes, schools and parks. “Stop them” from building on hills and in canyons that have little to no economic value for any other use.
David once again defeated Goliath. Now, with a great sense of accomplishment, the We CARE group is packing it in. Their job is done.
What is left for the once-quaint and vibrant City of Santa Paula, a city that owes its very existence to the agricultural industry in the Santa Clara Valley? Only the prospect of another “evil developer” destroying several hundred acres of prime agricultural land on the east side of town for — you guessed it — another residential project. It would appear that the We CARE group cares — less about this project.
Wake up, advocates of Save Open space and Agricultural Resources! Here’s a battle you live for.
— Chuck Rogers, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:09 AM
Fourth of July reading
At this time when we celebrate our freedom, I would like to highly recommend a book that was researched in the Yale University rare book section. The authors used original documents, letters and journals written by Americans who lived the history delineated in this book. The time frame is from the Christopher Columbus through the Revolutionary War. This book gave me a greater and more profound appreciation of our country and the godly, brave and dedicated people whom we call our founding fathers.
The title is “The Light and the Glory,” and the authors are Peter Marshall and David Manuel. The publisher is Fleming H. Revell Co.
Oxnard City Library has it, and I hope other people will see if their city or county library has it. I have given about 20 copies as gifts. Any bookstore could order it for those who are interested.
Here is an excerpt from page 17, Columbus's journal: "It was the Lord who put into my mind (I could feel His hand upon me) the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies. ...There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit....”
So, to all patriots, read and enjoy this marvelous book. You will never be the same. I know I'm not.
— Lois Shefflette, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:51 AM
Town Center great idea
As a resident of Westlake Village for 16 years, I carefully studied the Town Center plans and concluded that they are outstanding, bringing wonderful features together while also addressing environmental concerns. Our lovely community has yearned for additional dining and shopping, and this is our opportunity to welcome both.
I’m pleased by the prospect of voting this project into reality in November, and I urge my neighbors to do the same. After they do that, they should brace themselves. When they hear the opposition’s false claims, they should consider the source. Let’s face it, opponents are funded by people with something to gain if the Town Center, anchored by a beautiful Lowe’s store, comes to town.
But look around. There are enough homeowners in our communities to keep all home improvement stores prospering; Lowe’s has no intention of putting anyone out of business. In fact, they have a history of welcoming competition. This is an opportunity for everyone to benefit, and don’t forget the additional revenue the city will receive.
Hearing cries that a Lowe’s will bring “those people” to our community absolutely disgusts me. We all benefit from the richness of diversity, which reflects the world we live in. This is America — we are “those people.” I’m proud to be an American, I’m proud to live in Westlake Village, and I’ll be thrilled to shop and dine at the Town Center when it becomes a reality. Mark Election Day, Nov. 7, on your calendar now and vote for this terrific project!
— William I. Bendat, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:44 AM
Why is Bush outraged?
Re: your June 28 editorial, “Disclosure acts as an oversight”:
The Star’s editorial hit it on the head when it said, “It’s nothing the terrorists couldn’t have guessed.” I’ve been puzzling over President Bush’s outrage at the media reports on the financial tracking of bank accounts since the administration explained to us how complex and organized the planning for Sept. 11 was, including the funding necessary for the terrorists. Thanks for your details about the Society for Worldwide Interbank Telecommunications system.
— Marcia Morocco, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:38 AM
Soccer players not at fault
Re: your June 24 editorial, “Misery defines soccer showing”:
The American soccer players played hard. But for a few plays and questionable calls, they would have gone through group play.
In 2002, the Koreans co-hosted the World Cup. Every time a Korean player touched the ball there was a cheer from the stands. Soccer is an emotional game, and the Koreans won several games they shouldn't have.
Contrast this with Germany 2006. Thirty-one of the 32 teams rode around in buses with their name and flag on the bus. The American team rode around in an unmarked bus. It's hard to get momentum when everybody else is being cheered and we have to sneak into the stadiums.
In 1936, Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler were the bullies of the Olympics. In the 2006 World Cup, we were treated as bullies because of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and North Korea.
Again, don't blame our soccer players. They played their hearts out.
— Bob Munson, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:34 AM
Profiling a celebrity
Re: your June 28 article, “Viagra in luggage may mean trouble for Limbaugh”:
Thank God I am not a celebrity like Rush Limbaugh. I would probably still be in jail if the screeners had looked in my carry-on luggage recently and found a bottle with four different prescription medications and two inhalers — not only without my name on the bottle, but no doctor's name or prescription label!
One might be led to think that Mr. Limbaugh was being picked on. One might also be led to believe that Mr. Limbaugh had been "profiled" because of his earlier "drug" problem.
— Martin J. Miller, Jr., Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:27 AM
Living with differences — or not
Re: Yahya Merchant’s June 28 letter, “No, they aren’t like us”:
Here we go again. Yahya Merchant feels safer in Libya and more welcomed in Oman! Why, pray tell, is Merchant still here? The people in Brazil are as different than we are as are as the people in Spain, Germany and the list goes on. The big difference is that we can live with our differences.
How can someone defend the animal known as Saddam Hussein and his mass murder of his own people? How can someone defend a religion that in the first two pages of the Koran says all who are not subject must die? My God is loving and tolerant of even self-contradicting fools.
— Jim Barros, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:18 AM
Navy article appreciated
Re: your June 28 article, “A city at sea”:
That was a great article on the mighty USS John C. Stennis. Thank you! That’s our little boy's ship!
This is from a very proud Navy mom. Our son, Randy, enlisted at age 20 and is now master chief in the Reactor Department on the Stennis, which means he has charge of the nuclear reactors that keep that amazing ship going.
He is also a master skateboarder, at age 46, and revels in skating in far-flung places, wherever the Navy takes him.
Life in the Navy seldom makes the papers, and positive articles such as The Star’s are much needed. The media could do a lot better at reinforcing support of our hard-working military.
Many thanks.
— Margie Fisher, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:50 AM
June 28, 2006
Promenade needs bike lane
Let's make our Ventura promenade a safe place to enjoy the beautiful view. It was one of the attractions that led my husband and me to move to Ventura 27 years ago. Then, 12 years ago, we moved to a condo beside it where we could walk out our door and be right there.
The last time I walked on the promenade was the first Sunday in April, a beautiful day. I walked a ways past the pier, using my cane and trying to gain strength through exercising. On my way back, after passing the pier, I began to tire and decided to sit on one of the benches and rest a bit.
From the far right side, it was necessary for me to walk toward the left to get to the bench. It was quiet and I heard nothing behind me. Suddenly, with no warning, a bicycle brushed my left side just hard enough to knock me off balance. The next morning, I was taken to the emergency room. I had a broken hip. After three months that included surgery, two weeks of physical therapy in a care center, home care and outpatient physical therapy for another six weeks, I'm walking fairly well with a cane again. However, the thought of walking alone on the promenade is still very frightening.
It's been suggested that I should sue the city of Ventura for allowing bicycles to be ridden where people are walking. I have no desire to pursue that course. However, as a taxpayer and voter, I would like to suggest that it would be a sensible and fairly easy thing for a bicycle path to be designated on the promenade. It might also be cost effective as other accidents could be very expensive. Please don't wait for them to happen.
- Myrtle Lammi, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:22 PM
Trees need proper pruning
On my drives throughout Ventura, I have noticed an increasing number of trees being butchered by people who haven’t a clue as to proper pruning techniques.
I am referring to topping off the branches — or giving them the appearance of a “poodle cut.” When trees are cut this way, their appearance is forever ruined and the overall health of the tree is undermined.
I would strongly urge property owners to not assume that the landscaper who mows their grass is qualified to prune trees and shrubs. Most of these fellows grab hedge clippers and chain saws and go at it. Rather, they should consult a licensed arborist. The money they pay will be worth every penny, and they will be spared the loss of their beautiful, stately trees.
— Linda Dusky, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:19 PM
Movie madness
What does it say about our country when a film such as “An Inconvenient Truth” is barely mentioned in the mainstream media, yet stories about the myth-busting fairy tale, “The Da Vinci Code,’ were plastered across television screens and newspaper pages for months prior to its release — and continue to be despite its hollow and contrived plot and incredibly predictable conclusion.
What does it say about Ventura when, on a recent day, there were no screenings of “An Inconvenient Truth,” yet there were 18 screenings of soon-to-be video rental “The Break-Up,” 17 showings of the poorly made remake “The Omen,” and, most ironically, 21 screenings of the animated feature “Cars.” Even better, moviegoers had five options to see the disaster adventure and equally-as-poorly-made remake “Poseidon.” And if they chose to relive the darkest and least understood day in American history, they could still have chosen from two different times to see the factually incorrect and dramatically poorly acted “United 93.”
I am aware that the theater business is a money-making venture, and that is what determines the films that are shown. I am also aware that most people, myself included, go to the movies to be entertained and not informed. However, there must be some moral obligation met by the mainstream media, theater owners and theatergoers alike, to publicize and support a film as important as “An Inconvenient Truth.”
— Cory Ramsey, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:14 PM
Progress can be OK
Re: Chuck Thomas’s June 10 commentary, “Did they say what they say they said?”
Chuck Thomas’s column on quotes and misquotes was fun reading. I hope all of your readers got the message in the Ogden Nash quote, “Progress was a good thing once, but it went on too long.” One could paraphrase that quote into, “I’ve found my little piece of paradise in Ventura County, now let’s keep anyone else from coming in.”
That is the covert motto of a hard-core group of citizens who lead the “fight against any development that hints of growth.” As a true native of Ventura County — born in a farmhouse among the walnut trees at Wells and Telegraph roads — I resent the attitude of the “neo-natives” who make up the majority of these “no-growth” fanatics. Anyone who faces reality knows that there is no such thing as standing still. We are either moving forward or moving backward. And if our cities are to move forward (progress) there must be some development (growth).
This is not to suggest that every development project that has been voted down should have been accepted. I just find it hard to believe that every single one of those that has come up for public approval in the past few years has been “bad,” even after hours and hours of meticulous scrutiny by local planning commissions and city councils led to their approving them for the ballot. They have supposedly done the job we elected them to do. If those local ruling bodies have been so wrong, they should be impeached and replaced.
Look at downtown Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula and Old Town Camarillo as examples. Not so long ago, each of those areas, under heavy “no-growth” influences, was dead or on their deathbeds. Now, after some semblance of reality has been applied, all are on their way to recovery.
I urge voters to study both sides of every issue very thoroughly. It’s too easy to be led by the sound-bite barrage, or to accept the “when in doubt, vote no” philosophy.
The investors are willing to take the risks and pay for the necessary infrastructure improvements. The local powers that be have scrutinized, altered and placed each of these developments on a ballot. We should weigh the good that can come from a development against the bad it might cause, and then vote accordingly. The attitude of the “no-growth” fanatics is only one factor we should consider. They are not always right.
— Frank Guthrie, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:05 PM
LNG’s OK, but salts aren’t?
Re: Howard Smith’s June 25 commentary, “Salts dumped in river threaten V.C. economy":
I agree with Smith's concerns about dumping chloride salts into the Santa Clara River. But it is ironic that Smith and the board of Ventura County Economic Development Association support liquefied natural gas facilities off our coast that will pollute our air and ocean water and negatively effect our economy.
BHP Billiton’s Cabrillo Port LNG facility will be the largest single source of pollution in Ventura County. BHP claims this pollution doesn't count because it will blow toward Anacapa Island. This is nonsense. The wind blows onshore.
BHP also claims that discharges into the ocean don't count because the facility will be 12 nautical miles offshore. This is nonsense. Cabrillo Port will actually be slightly less than 12 nautical miles from the coast. BHP is playing games with the facts.
BHP is deceiving the public about the extent of onshore infrastructure and construction. They don't want us to know about the metering and odorant station at Ormond Beach and the construction staging areas. They don't want us to know about the impact of constructing 14.7 miles of new high-pressure gas pipelines through our county, digging up roads and private property, including farmland. They can take this land using eminent domain.
Like all the big energy companies trying to locate LNG facilities in California, BHP doesn't tell us that giving up lower-priced domestic natural gas and replacing it with expensive imported LNG will mean higher prices for the consumer.
The companies that want to bring LNG to California will take billions of dollars from our state, but there is no proven need for LNG at all. The LNG companies do not care about our people, our businesses, our economy or our quality of life. It's the money.
— Larry Godwin, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:58 AM
Event poorly planned
I'd like to compliment the city of Ventura and organizers for putting the Breath of Life event on. As a former U.S. Cycling Federation competitive bike racer and one who has participated in many similar events, I know the hurdles that must be overcome to put on an event like this.
However, I hope there were some lessons learned from this event. Local businesses and traffic were horribly impacted and, put simply, blindsided by this event. This could have been easily overcome with better planning and communication.
Access to Ventura Harbor was cut off in a manner that was incomprehensible to local business owners and harbor users. You cannot isolate a major commercial, residential and recreational area such as the harbor and consider this event successfully organized.
As a business owner in the harbor area, I could not get to my own store without getting three different sets of instructions, all counterproductive, with volunteers disallowing traffic where uniformed officers directed us. That was before the event even started!
Business in my store was down 75 percent from 8 to noon that day because of the poor traffic planning. I had one employee who gave up trying to get to work after an hour of frustration. What is also frustrating is that we were never informed of the potential impact. Signs stating, "Expect traffic delays" does not mean you will be closing a major intersection and killing our business for half the day!
Please take these lessons learned for the future:
— Organize traffic better and never close out businesses or major traffic areas.
— Where business may be impacted, communicate with them. A simple letter or phone call would have allowed us to plan and may have avoided many issues.
— Keep doing these events, Ventura! Just learn from your mistakes!
— Mitch Marvosh, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:50 AM
Cartoon is puzzling
Re: Steve Greenberg’s June 21 editorial page cartoon, “Indefinite Detainees at Guantanamo”:
I viewed this cartoon with puzzlement and dismay. Steve Greenberg depicts American sovereign rights and liberties as “prison detainees” at Guantanamo prison.
The terrorist suspects at Guantanamo are enemy combatants and are the very people determined to destroy our way of life and our sacred rights. These rights are sacred because American men and women have always been willing to sacrifice their own lives to preserve them. I do not see an obligation to grant these rights to a non-American enemy combatant.
It is strangely ironic to see a “sympathy for the enemy” cartoon in an American newspaper.
We need to be less concerned with the “U.S. image” and quicker to remember that our way of life is threatened by a determined and savage adversary.
—Joseph Delatre, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:39 AM
Iran situation flaring up
With our troops in Iraq in the middle of an undeclared civil war and our troops in Afghanistan under attack by Taliban forces, the news media is strangely quiet. These wars are being back-paged or not given any mention. Instead, the media is going along with the administration's “saber rattling” about the threat of nuclear proliferation from Iran.
Is it reasonable to believe that a nation with a stockpile of more than 6,000 nuclear weapons, with the ability to pinpoint delivery to any place on earth and a satellite system that can reveal the source of any incoming missile, has anything to fear from Iran?
In view of the phony “weapons of mass destruction” campaign that convinced Americans that our invasion of Iraq was necessary, one has to worry about this new scare tactic as a preliminary of a pre-emptive attack on Iran.
In a country where tons of dope are smuggled in annually, it is not unthinkable that terrorists could assemble and detonate a nuclear weapon, leaving us to wonder “who done it” and who to retaliate against. This scenario makes the pork barrel “Star Wars” - that trillion-dollar project which tells the world, “We can shoot at you but you can't shoot at us” - a moot point. With our retaliatory capability, no nation would be so foolish as to attack us with a missile. They would face instant retaliation.
Before we attacked Iraq, Saddam Hussein had signed contracts with France, Germany and Russia to develop huge undeveloped oil reserves in Northern Iraq. Removing Saddam and his government rendered those contracts null and void. The next step was to install a government that would be favorable to U.S. oil interests. This seems to be easier said than done, with the Shiites and the Sunnis fighting for control and our troops in the middle.
In Iran, the creation of an Iranian oil bourse “stock market” is forcing competition between U.S.-owned London International Petroleum Exchange and New York Mercantile Exchange with an Iranian Petroleum Exchange, which will give international buyers the choice to purchase oil for 20 percent less in euros than in dollars, ending the U.S. dollar trading monopoly. With the dollar at 81 cents and euro at $1.22, oil has gone to $70 a barrel. U.S. oil interests must find weapons of mass destruction in Iran.
-David Jensen, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:35 AM
Mental illness is real
Re: Carol Horton’s June 8 letter, “End mental health funding”:
I suffer from bipolar disorder and extreme clinical depression with psychotic episodes. I am told that it is biochemical and that I will be on medication for the rest of my life. That’s OK. Please believe me when I say that the alternative is definitely not OK.
I was diagnosed in 1988. Since then, I have been on medication on and off. When I am on medication, I function fine.
Mental illness is real — just as real as heart disease, diabetes, cancer or any other chronic disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure, just treatment. But you can get better if you want to.
The Ventura County Mental Health Department has saved my life. In 1998, I was dysfunction and homeless in Sacramento. I was unable to care for myself or make a living. There was virtually no help for me. I came back to Ventura and received the intensive help I needed to begin a life instead of a nightmare.
Then, in 2003, I had a severe head injury, which made me worse off than I had ever been. Enter Ventura County Mental Health. Needless to say, I am back among the living. Thank you, all of you, at Ventura County Behavioral Health Department. Without them, I would be in a downward spiral or dead.
The Behavioral Health Department is underfunded and understaffed. About 30 to 40 percent of homeless people are severely mentally ill, and there is no place for them to go and not enough benefits to live on. Maybe Ms. Horton can put up a few of them!
—Paul Barnett, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:28 AM
Don't overindulge kids
Re: Marjorie Olson’s June 19 letter, “Hard to feel sorry”:
What a great letter!
As a parent, I know there are certain things one has to get used to. Children relentlessly beg for things you know aren’t good for them. I listen to children complain that so-and-so has the latest, greatest name-brand whatever. Birthday parties are equivalent to a coronation.
Now we have the cell phone so a 10- or 12-year-old can talk incessantly to her friends when a home phone is free.
If parents saved more than $40 a month, it would add up to thousands of dollars by the time the child goes to college and would help buy supplies for four years. Parents are spending so much money to keep children entertained that young folks don’t know how to entertain themselves with anything that doesn’t cost money.
Parents have to have a flat screen TV? They’re probably the ones who parade to vacation spots — adding more charges to their credit cards — because their children say, “I’m bored.” When they say they’re bored, tell them to go read, run outside, do chores to help working parents and enjoy simple things. Then they won’t turn into adults who are not satisfied if they don’t have what their friends have at any cost.
I don’t deny the high costs of today, so parents should exercise financial restraint and stop overindulging their children. I’ve been there, done that!
—Amelia Hadfield, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:22 AM
Don’t ban dogs from beach
We took our dogs down to the beach recently but found signs telling us we could not do that anymore. We are very unhappy about that. We, as well as our dogs, looked forward to walking in the sand and getting our feet wet. I suppose it is because some lazy fools did not pick up after their pooches and thus created this situation for the rest of us who carry bags for that purpose.
We are very disappointed, as it certainly takes away the thrill of spending time down at the beach. It seems all that is left is to ride bikes and rent four-wheelers for family cycling. I am a tourist and stay here in Ventura every other month, coming from Arizona, and I have now become disillusioned with Ventura. I am 81 years old, and there is nothing much more I can do to enjoy my dog than the old-fashioned walk on the beach.
I wish the government would rescind that new policy so we can have the pleasure of going down there, and our dogs can have doggie fun.
To all animal lovers who lack respect for those of us who clean up after our pooches: You are one of the group that ruins it for everyone else because you are just too lazy to abide by cleanliness. Shame on then for ruining it for the rest of us.
— R.E. Gagne, Sedona, Ariz. (part-time)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:07 AM
It's 1969 once again
Re: your June 25 Pulse page, “Iraq war”:
This page of Iraq war letters was an absolute verification of the adage, "Those who don't study history are condemned to repeat it."
With very few changes, that page could easily have been published in 1969. That year, the country was deeply divided regarding the Vietnam War. As succinctly indicated on that letters page, the same remains true regarding the Iraq war.
Today we call our enemies terrorists and insurgents. In 1969, we called them Viet Cong. They didn't have an air force, artillery, navy or tanks, yet they still beat us mainly because they didn't wear uniforms and they didn't have any rules of engagement. Ironically, if we ignore our own rules of engagement, then we become them.
Terrorists, insurgents, Viet Cong - different words, same result: an unwinnable war.
- Andy Prokopow, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:00 AM
The truth is melting
Wow! Recent articles from a movie critic, a Star columnist and Parade magazine all present former Vice President Al Gore’s global warming scenario as fact. So it must be true!
Or perhaps this is mainly a means to an end. Another crisis is good for both headlines and folks looking for more federal grants. Climate research funding is already up almost ten times in 20 years.
It is clear a one-sided picture is presented. They never consider earth and its climate to be dynamic and they never mention these facts, as cited in the Wall Street Journal:
— Alpine glaciers have been retracting since the early 18th century.
— Global warming would decrease the equator/poles temperature differential and create humidity changes that would produce less severe storms.
— Climate models imply greenhouse warming should impact atmospheric temperatures more than surface temperatures. But satellites have detected no such warming since 1979.
— Temperature-measuring stations tend to be near cities and thus can be biased by the “heat island” effect.
— Greenland is no warmer than it was in the 1920s.
— When Gore was confronted with the fact that the best estimate of rising sea levels is far less than he suggests in his movie, his reply included, “Scientists just don’t know.”
— More than half of last century’s temperature rise occurred before 1944 when carbon dioxide could not have been the cause.
This list could go on.
One thing is for sure. If the alarmists get all they want, both our freedoms and economic growth will suffer, and it will more adversely affect the less fortunate, both here and abroad. That may very well be the key moral issue at stake!
— Arnold P. Hockenmaier, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:52 AM
Goal for skateboarders
Kudos to the teenagers who skateboarded with police escort through downtown Ventura recently. While their enthusiasm and respect for the law in obtaining escort for their "roller march" are both admirable, may they use their skills to liberate people from the clutches of misfortune.
May skateboarders in Ventura, and throughout the county, hold officially-sanctioned skateboarding events to benefit charitable causes. By rolling forth for the charitable gold, as it were, youth could forge inspiring hope and lend new momentum to the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people locally, statewide, nationally or even internationally.
Some people face daunting uphill challenges, and through their great skill in conquering steep slopes, skateboarders could empower people facing uphill struggles so that they, in turn, could assist others encountering seemingly unscalable heights. Through the peaks and valleys of life, skateboarders could indeed play a vital role in giving hope to those without hope, encouragement to those who are discouraged, and empowerment to the powerless.
— Dave Morse, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:41 AM
Other side of LNG debate
Re: Lawrence R. Carter’s June 27 commentary, “LNG terminal right pick for county”:
First, I wonder if Mr. Carter is aware of the difference between a 30-inch natural gas pipeline at 450 pounds per square inch and a 36-inch pipeline at 1,100 pounds per square inch. Or that most of the pipes running under our city are small and probably run somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 to 80 pounds per square inch. This is an enormous difference in pressure.
I also wonder if Mr. Carter is aware of how much pollution and greenhouse gas will be released by these liquefied natural gas offshore facilities. I wonder if Mr. Carter is aware of global warming — or even cares.
I wonder if Mr. Carter is aware that there is not a shortage of natural gas in the United States, nor is there expected to be one well into the future. Industry insiders’ studies project a 65-year supply at current production levels. According to the American Gas Association, "Many energy experts believe that the United States has several hundred years of natural gas supplies." See http://www.aga.org
Mr. Carter states that "natural gas…is a practical, clean-burning alternative to the fossil fuels." Obviously, Mr. Carter doesn't know that natural gas is indeed a fossil fuel and, moreover, is not very clean-burning at all.
If he does know all this, who is he trying to fool?
— Marcia Cummings Hubbard, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:29 AM
Mental health quagmire
Re: Sally Kosoff’s June 18 letter, "Mental illness is very real":
It appears that Kosoff is misinformed. She is correct in that if mental illness is effectively treated, a person will lead a productive life.
To my knowledge, and to the knowledge of all drug companies, the drugs they make do absolutely nothing to cure mental illness. The drug companies tell us mental illness may (means “possibly”) be caused by a biochemical imbalance. This doesn't sound like well-known scientific fact to me.
If psychiatrists receive so much training and supposedly know so much about mental illness, how come they do not get any results? How come people on psychiatric drugs have a high suicide rate? How come people on psychiatric drugs become robot-like? How come people on psychiatric drugs become more crazy?
It sounds like another solution is in order. To continue to dump money into something that does not work and gets bad results makes no sense. I don't want to see taxpayers’ money funding the current system. It does not work!
Scientology beliefs or not, just look at the facts. Look at what these drugs are actually doing to the people who take them. Look at how it affects them mentally and physically.
The things I have researched and seen have made me pose the above questions. I have not found any drugs that give a 100 percent certainty of curing any form of mental illness.
Good treatment can truly lead to recovery. The current mental health system is not good treatment.
— Steve Grantham, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:16 AM
Oil companies arrogant
I was thumbing through a recent edition of The New Yorker and was disgusted with the arrogance of the advertising sponsored by Chevron. Imagine four postcards with illustrations that initially appear to be harmless jokes. Upon careful examination, I recognized that the propaganda being presented on the surface was to encourage people to save energy.
On one hand, oil companies want us to buy more oil. On the other hand, they are blaming us for this dilemma.
We are responsible for buying oil. We are responsible for the cost to our environment. As citizens, we must accept the restrictions high gas prices have placed on our freedoms. Oil is not accountable. We can demand that oil be accountable. Nationwide boycotts can be organized on specific days on any given month where thousands of American families could choose on those days to stay home and focus on “family values.”
— Thomas Lynn, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:57 AM
City Council is rude
I’m writing to voice my personal opinion on how very bitterly citizens are being treated at City Council meetings. It’s sad that the council is slapping people around like a football. I’m hurt by that.
The council members are trying to stop citizen involvement in our local government altogether. I’m glad I’m not on any committees anymore. I’m at the welcome desk where I’m appreciated. But it hurts when issues you care about get slapped down.
Election time is nearing, and I’m glad. It’s time for change, and we need someone who believes in open democracy and citizens being involved.
—Mary Harris, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:53 AM
Healthcare plan good
Re: Jerre Reimers’ June 28 letter, “Who pays for healthcare?”
Jerre Reimers should do his homework. My letter to The Star, which Reimers unfairly attacked, was actually in support of a proposal made by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was not "my plan," as Reimers alleged.
In May, the governor proposed adding $23 million to shore up county health programs for children. The governor met resistance because some of this money might be used for the healthcare of children who are in our country illegally. The governor said that children who had no choice about coming to our country should not be punished by having healthcare and education withheld from them.
While there are issues of the governor’s I do not agree with, this is not one of them. The larger proposal to give healthcare to all children in California, to which Reimers refers, had already been dropped when I wrote my letter. My letter was only in support of the governor’s proposal.
In terms of healthcare for children, I believe preventative care is an asset to all. I believe most parents and teachers prefer having their children surrounded by other healthy children, whether it be in school, at the park or anywhere else.
The $23 million in question was cut from the final budget, but the governor has said he would like to revisit the issue later in the summer. Since Reimers does not support the governor's position, he should write a letter to him, or signal his disapproval at the ballot box in November.
— Arleigh Kidd, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:39 AM
June 27, 2006
No, they aren’t like us
Re: Thomas Ion’s June 25 letter, “Not like us”:
When will people like Ion finally realize Saddam Hussein was no threat to the United States? Sanctions had ensured Iraq had no military capable of threatening the United States. Iraq was in no way connected with al-Qaida or Sept. 11. Bombing Iraq, as Ion wanted, created the very situation that brought al-Qaida and Iraqis together, resulting in the unnecessary deaths of more than 2,500 military members.
I have spent time in the Middle East. It is true they are not like us. I spent two years in Oman and rode a motorcycle over the camel trails to many remote villages. The inhabitants would force me to stop at each village, take me to the village guesthouse, and bring water and dates, followed shortly by a meal. If it was near evening, blankets and a pillow would appear. Never once was I asked how long I was staying.
I spent four years in Libya and felt safer than I do in Simi Valley, which is one of the safest cities in America.
This hospitality and morality is the shadow left by the brilliant civilization that stretched from Delhi, India, to Spain, while ancestors of mine and Ion’s were burning heretics at the stake.
We are now reaping the whirlwind of what the European colonial powers sowed in the destruction of infrastructure and the fragmentation of that civilization, using the very means that Ion suggests as a solution. Barbaric American attitudes are the problem, not the solution.
We should stop interfering in the lives of other nations and put our own house in order. Perhaps then we might have the right to offer our way of life as an example for others to follow.
— Yahya Merchant, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:22 AM
Shedding light on district
Re: Greg Stratton's June 22 commentary, “School district fails its students”:
Simi Valley Unified School District trustee and former mayor Greg Stratton should be commended for writing this letter and telling the truth about the school district's lack of planning. It's a refrain heard from critics often, but it's clear as day when made by a sitting trustee.
For the school district to not organize a plan for increased science education is appalling. In today's global marketplace, science is a critical core study, and yet, the SVUSD trustees continue to “see what happens” and push problems down the road. Is it any wonder why the United States graduates more massage therapists every year than electrical engineers?
If SVUSD can't plan for increased science education, it makes you wonder what else isn't being planned, or worse, brushed under the rug. Thanks to trustee Stratton for shedding some light on this very important issue.
- Tim Keaney, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:10 AM
Threat fuels LNG opposition
Re: your June 27 article, “Possible terrorist threat closes Port of Hueneme”:
The threat of a terrorist attack on our local coast is real. Port Hueneme was closed due to a possible terrorist threat found on board a 30,000-ton refrigerated ship that arrived from Guatemala.
When will the powers that be in this state wake up and smell the espresso? A liquefied natural gas regasification plant — proposed Cabrillo Port or any other proposition — off our coast is a bad idea due to the possibility of a terrorist attack. It’s plain and simple.
This is one instance when I do not want to be the one to say, “I told you so!”
— Jill A. Singer, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:02 AM
Heeding nature’s call
Re: your June 26 editorial, “More than just a brain”:
As a retired Thousand Oaks High School teacher, I wish to mention some realities of high school life here in the Conejo that The Star and others who support the premise of no bathroom breaks may not know.
I am not aware of conditions on campuses in the Washington, D.C., area, but here, passing periods are five minutes long and do not allow for bathroom stops unless a student wishes to be late. At the 10-minute nutrition break, the two or three student bathrooms cannot possibly accommodate the thousands of students on campus. Lunchtime is filled with club meetings, student activities, make-up tests, etc., to say nothing of the amount of time the kids wait in lunch lines for food.
As a former instructor of Advanced Placement Spanish, I can tell you AP students are already highly motivated to succeed, under tremendous pressure, and do not need the incentive of extra credits for not using the restrooms. Should nature call, three minutes out of class will contribute much less to learning lost than sitting uncomfortably and trying to concentrate.
After 25 years of dealing with students in the classroom, I can tell you honestly that when students see you respect them and their needs as human beings, the vast majority will respect you and your class. The few offenders are soon spotted.
Why encourage unhealthy habits in responsible students for the actions of a small segment? Could we adults go through the entire school day without using the facilities? Who will be the first to volunteer? The reward will be a gold star on your paycheck.
— Odette Nicholson, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:53 AM
June 26, 2006
LNG worth the risk
Oxnard has become the new hot spot for debate as talk of a liquefied natural gas complex arises as a possibility in this city.
LNG is a natural gas in liquid form, used for cooking, heating and electrical functions as well as other industrial uses. It is also used as an alternative fuel source for transportation, which brings me to my main concerns.
Why does everyone seem to speak so powerfully against a local terminal to unload this imported gas? That seems to boggle my mind.
LNG is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. Coal and oil produce more emissions and pollutants, so why don’t people take such a stand against using them? LNG can be transported and stored using much less volume, making it a much more economical benefit to the United States.
LNG has potential to be hazardous, which is what most people in this area seem to be worried about, along with its pollution. LNG is flammable and can explode, but only under very minimal circumstances. It is also possible that rapid phase transition can occur. This means that when enough LNG spills onto water, a very fast leak can lead to heat rising, and it immediately converts to its gaseous phase. A physical explosion can occur that can be harmful to nearby people and buildings.
Taking all of this information into consideration, I believe it is worth the risk.
As gas prices increasingly become an issue, people are going to need to rely on alternative fuel sources. LNG is a perfect solution. Gas is becoming too expensive, and soon people are not going to be able to afford it. Why not look to LNG for this opportunity?
People need to open their eyes and see both the benefits and threats LNG brings to the community. Overall, it is beneficial to the economy, and it only brings cheaper prices to demanding consumers.
— Gail Gramacki, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:57 PM
Investigation warranted
Re: your June 15 article, “Reports detail Ventura city officials' dispute”:
A member of the Ventura city attorney's staff has been charged with dissuading or preventing an official from testifying. Has City Attorney Bob Boehm broken the law in this case by withholding evidence?
It's the good old boys club in action again when our city attorney runs directly to the district attorney to secure exoneration in this case and is accommodated. If you ask me, this matter needs to be investigated!
— Jim Gray, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:45 PM
A concrete issue
Re: Roy Hooper's June 23 letter, “Beauty near the fast lane unsafe”:
If gool ol' Roy would drive the speed limit, he might see that the "tiles" are stamped concrete.
- Wayne Saddler, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:28 PM
Veterans help students
The local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County Inc. celebrated its 21st year as a leading veterans organization June 17. During its meeting, it also honored the winners of the James Michael Ray Scholarship Fund.
This year's winners were Dawn Zolman of Oxnard, Frank Forbes of Oxnard and Jeanette Howard of Santa Paula. Scholarship money is received as donations by various veterans organizations throughout the year.
This year's event was the best the veterans have seen in the past few years, according to scholarship fund chairperson Rick Brandl.
The scholarship fund was started years ago and named the James Michael Ray Scholarship Fund in memory of Ray, who has been missing in South Vietnam since March 18, 1968. It has had the support of many veterans organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club "F" troop, located in Ventura County.
To this day, Ray's remains have never been recovered. He is still considered a prisoner of war.
The VVVC has the last of the POW bracelets that consist of the information on Ray. Anyone interested in the bracelets or who would like more information on the scholarship fund can visit the VVVC Web site at http://vvvc.org.
The POW bracelets have been provided by the Ray family.
- Dave Betti, Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, Inc., Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:22 PM
Elements of leadership
Elected officials are responsible to serve all the constituents, not just those with one point of view. This not a trivial or easy task. It takes empathy, wisdom, humility and a dedication to find and communicate the “deeper truth” of a situation.
The division, polarization and nastiness we see in politics today are a testament to how little responsible leadership we currently have.
True effective and responsible leadership first understands and empathizes with all the perspectives in their district, city, county, state or country, not just the ones who are like them, not just the ones who vote, not just the ones who donate money and not just the ones who are vocal.
Then the effective, responsible leader finds the common ground. Yes, there is always common ground. It may take work, growth and humility to find it, but it’s there.
Next the effective, responsible leader compassionately communicates that common ground to all with enough warmth and clarity that it is accepted. Again, it is no easy task, but it is absolutely possible in every situation.
Lastly, a course of action is proposed that clearly supports everyone based on the understanding of common ground.
As difficult as this is, it is neither impossible nor unrealistic. It is the criteria we voters should use in electing our officials or in deciding to be an elected official.
Hear this; A leader’s positive influence is a direct reflection of their ability to act with an open mind and heart.
— Scott Friedman, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:20 PM
Politics of immigration
Re: your June 23 editorial, “Politics eclipses immigration bill”:
Uncontrolled illegal immigration is truly an urgent national problem. The Star has it wrong when it characterizes the House of Representatives as "playing politics" with the immigration bill. Rather, it is the U.S. Senate and President Bush who are playing politics. The vast majority of American citizens is fed up with overpopulation, housing shortages, increased crime and overcrowded schools caused by uncontrolled illegal immigration.
The Senate's McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill does not address the roots of the immigration problem. Americans want to see strong enforcement of existing laws, including a correct interpretation of the 14th Amendment to stop the "anchor baby" fiasco. By having open hearings on this "hot button" issue, politicians will get a true idea of just how angry citizens are about a government that refuses to enforce its borders and immigration laws.
Our government owes its citizens representation on this issue. Sens. Harry Reid, Dianne Feinstein, John McCain, Ted Kennedy, Arlen Specter and others should participate in these hearings and get a real taste of what their constituents actually think on this issue. If the Senate had actually listened to their constituents, the Senate's amnesty bill would have never made it to a floor vote.
— Dan Shapiro, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:19 PM
Who pays for healthcare?
Re: Arleigh Kidd’s June 22 letter, “Healthcare for all children needed”:
Kidd blames the Republicans in Sacramento for failing to include a “feel-good” plan to provide unlimited healthcare to all children in this year’s budget. He does not care whether these resident children are here legally or illegally. He also does not say how the plan should be paid for.
Who does Kidd think should be taxed for this generous benefit? Also, since he signed the letter as the local executive director of the California Teachers Association, what is in this for the CTA?
Healthy Families already provides a subsidy to parents for children’s HMO health coverage. The program covers parents who make up to $44,000 a year for a family of four. The program allows them to purchase insurance for about $7 a month for each child, a great deal considering that this coverage will cost anyone else about $184 a month. California taxpayers are putting up $380 million a year for this benefit.
A year from now, someone else will propose we add dental coverage to the plan because this too will benefit the children. How about vision coverage because “the little children” need to see and this will save more money? Next it will be a food subsidy so that they can afford good, healthy food. Then it will be transportation. This will be followed by subsidized, decent housing, since kids in low-income housing will tend to be sicker than others. On the surface, these are all great ideas. But who will pay for all of this? Will the CTA pay for it?
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, says, “This debate is about rewarding lawbreaking and encouraging illegal immigration.”
Why should we support Kidd’s plan?
— Jerre Reimers, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:16 PM
Council out of touch
The majority on the Thousand Oaks City Council is out of sync with the voters, and nothing proved that more clearly than the last election. Four of the five council members endorsed Joe Gibson for supervisor and attached their names to his negative mailers. Not surprisingly, despite the endorsement of Gibson, Linda Parks won overwhelmingly.
How could a council majority be so off the mark? I can only guess it's because they have plans for this city that a slow-growth supervisor would not endorse. They all "talk the talk" about being slow growth, but at the end of the day, who is buying it? Not the majority of voters who heartily rejected their candidate.
The best thing that can happen is for voters to purge the city of this council majority. It is painfully obvious that Andy Fox and his cronies have an agenda that runs contrary to what the majority of citizens want, and the last election proves that true.
— Jocelyn DeVault, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:53 PM
Koko wasn't a human
Re: your June 22 article, “Teaching Zoo’s popular monkey Koko dies at 43”:
If, God willing, I am blessed with a long life, I hope no one sees fit to euthanize me solely because they do not want me subjected “to the humiliating decrepitude of extreme old age.”
— Angela Buckley, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:46 PM
Criminalizing disrespect
I don’t know if desecrating the flag should be an allowed expression of free speech or not, but I think we need to remember why we love our county. I love my country for the freedoms and opportunities that I have here. I also worry that if it becomes illegal to damage a symbolic piece of cloth, what will be made illegal next?
I would never desecrate my country’s flag. I hate people who do not respect our flag. However, legislating its respect is going down the wrong road. Congress should worry about making themselves more respectable. Maybe that is what they are up to. The next step is to make it illegal to disrespect Congress.
What is disrespecting the flag? Burning it? Maybe. But burning is the officially correct way to retire a battered flag. Dragging, stomping, spitting? Yes. Yes. Yes. What about: "Hey you, didn’t you see my flag? Where was your salute?"
How many times have we read about gang violence because so-and-so “disrespected me!” Are we no better than some street hoodlum? I think anybody or anything that needs force to get respect probably does not deserve respect for anything but force.
The bigger the deal we make about it, the more power we give to our enemies. All they have to do is desecrate our flag to bring us to our whiny knees. Of course, maybe that is good. Instead of them killing us or bombing our embassies, maybe we can make them satisfied by burning our flag, the stupid fools. But let’s not stumble over our own stupidity.
— Leo Bowman, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:34 PM
Eminent domain wrong
My home in Ojai, designed in 1969 by my late husband, an architect, will be taken by eminent domain if the local, state and federal governments continue their plan to demolish Matilija Dam. Other buildings and homes below the dam are targeted for destruction despite Ventura County officials’ promise in June 1999 to protect “public and private property.”
Taxpayers will pay up to $180 million to “free” the Ventura River, create an ecosystem to nourish steelhead trout and replenish sand at the Ventura beaches. I raised six children here. My home is a gathering place for a large family, including 14 grandchildren. Why should fish come ahead of people? The Army Corps of Engineers’ detailed report fails to mention that the homes below the dam are occupied.
The government does not want to consider other plans to save or protect our homes. Having a flowing river sounds ideal, but it will not be much different from the Santa Clara River, which is free but dry most of the year.
Why pay a fifth of a billion dollars for a mainly dry river? As far as the trout go, it will not be a fisherman’s paradise because the Casitas Municipal Water District is already seeking a fishing ban. Others say the steelhead will not survive the destruction stage of the dam busting.
Harmony with nature, recreation and fishing — just empty words from environmental groups for unsuspecting taxpayers. Wouldn’t the federal money be better spent in a place like New Orleans, which really needs saving? People are tired of the injustice of eminent domain. The first priority of the government should be to protect the established homes along Matilija Creek. Citizens should contact their government representatives — local, state and federal — to express their views on this expenditure of money.
— Dorothy Kehoe, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:23 PM
Hunting for a motive
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, wants to use Santa Rosa Island as a potential military hunting reserve despite agreements ending the hunt in 2011. What a disaster! I have seen dramatic results already from eliminating most of the deer and elk on the island.
Torrey Pines, trees found almost exclusively on Santa Rosa, are spreading, and Island Bush Poppies, Lemonade Berries and other native plants are experiencing a resurgence. These unique plants are specially suited for living on this coastal island with no large grazers. The animals that co-exist with them are also rebounding. Bald eagles are hatching for the first time in 50 years, Island foxes are recovering from the decimation linked to a previously overabundant pig population, and even the native skunk population is growing. Things are really looking up for Santa Rosa Island and the Channel Islands, offering us, our children and our children’s children an unparalleled place to relax and rejuvenate. Kudos to the National Park Service.
Why does Hunter want to ban the return of Santa Rosa to natural conditions and restrict public access half the year? Vail and Vickers accepted a $30 million government payment to end the hunt in 2011, but in the meantime, there is a waiting list to hunt there. If their farmhouse and bunkhouses hold 20 hunters for three days each, at an average cost of $5,000, the hunting brings in around $4 million a year! Counting only weekends, that’s still millions of dollars.
Maybe the military won’t pay as well, but that’s a lot of motivation to protect. It could explain Hunter’s persistence. Perhaps someone from the Vail or Vickers family lives in his district. Perhaps they use a lobbying firm, or the organization running the hunt does. Hunter’s motives are suspect, and it’s worth investigating who he’s really representing.
— Richard Smith, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:12 PM
Apology isn’t the answer
Re: Paul D. White’s June 19 commentary, “U.S. should apologize now for slavery”:
White wants the U.S. government to officially apologize to African-Americans because “slavery and its lingering legacy” were wrong. And he wants our government to apologize for it.
Why stop there? What about the now-defunct Confederacy? Get every state government that was a member to issue an apology.
Why stop there? What about the British government? The slave ships flew the Union Jack. Let’s have Britain get on board with the apology.
Why stop there? What about the Spanish slave traders? Spain should apologize.
Why stop there? Let’s get the Zulus who rounded up conquered tribes and sold them into bondage. They should apologize.
Why stop there? Every African tribe that benefited or sold their fellow Africans into slavery should apologize.
And why stop at just an apology? Why not some monetary reimbursement for pain and suffering?
The best way for people — any people — to deal with adversity is not to insist on an apology that may or may not be lip service. Forgiveness is what will bring about healing, not an apology. Until White and people like him realize that, he will remain trapped in a wilderness of self-pity.
— Tim Robbins, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:56 PM
Rude behavior pandemic
Re: Andrew Knauer’s June 23 letter, “Graduation audience a disgrace”:
I have heartfelt sympathy for what Andrew and others in the audience had to endure as they capped off their high school years. This should have been a great night of celebration for the graduating classmates of Newbury Park High School’s Class of 2006. Lack of courtesy and open rudeness to a special teacher like Elwyn Ellis had to be downright embarrassing. I’m sure Andrew felt like jumping to his feet and shouting to these juvenile-acting parents, relatives and friends to show some old-fashioned courtesy. He would have been soundly applauded.
These obnoxious folks don't just show up at graduation time. You see them everywhere. They are not hard to spot, and the sad thing is that they have no idea they are behaving like jerks.
Recently, in a store parking lot, a man in a big diesel truck pulled into a yellow marked loading zone, which was in the shade. He got out and walked into the store. He was illegally parked. Then there’s the person who parks in the handicapped spot with no card showing. Or the people in line at our local post offices who get out their cell phones and proceed to annoy everyone with their loud and boisterous talk.
They show up in restaurants and stores, as well. I could go on and on, but people understand what I am talking about. Andrew’s letter clearly reflects that.
I am impressed by Andrew. I thank him for standing up to this kind of crude behavior with his well-written letter. With young people like him coming along, it gives a senior like me lots of hope for our country's future. Get on with your life, do the right thing and make a difference. His letter is a great start.
— Bob Fitch, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:47 PM
Antennas not a simple matter
Re: your June 18 article, “Cities hide cell antennas in plain view”:
This article was an excellent example of what happens when The Star doesn't do its homework and relies on an industry lobbyist for information.
I take offense at Joe Farre, a Washington lobbyist, saying that "the rub" to many subscribers is they don't want to deal with looking at cellular or wireless antennas. A "rub?" It's more serious then that.
The article states that the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission approved a wireless antenna in the church steeple. There is no steeple on this property, and it's not a simple wireless antenna. What the Planning Commission approved was a roof-mounted, 1,850-watt transmitter, cell base station and microwave dish in the middle of a "residential exclusive" neighborhood, across the street from an elementary school.
The city of Thousand Oaks has Resolution 97-197 which states that "no roof-mounted wireless facility shall be allowed in a residential zone.” The city complies with the Federal Communications Commission Telecommunications Act, section 704, that specifically grants zoning authority to state and local agencies. The City Council has the power to say no to Cingular on this site.
At the May 23 appeal, the council directed Cingular to look for alternative sites because this one doesn't meet the requirements of our city’s resolution, which is protected by the Telecommunications Act. At the meeting, there were17 citizens of the community who spoke supporting the appeal. There were 19 speaker cards, all in favor of the appeal. The only two men who were against the appeal were Cingular’s attorney and Cingular’s paid consultant.
During an election year, the council took a risk and acted admirably to protect and enforce what the citizens want and our city resolution, while allowing the well-lobbied telecommunication company to seek other options.
— Ann Mathias, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:43 PM
Punishment irreversible
Re: your June 22 editorial, “Time to end death penalty”:
We very much appreciate The Star's editorial, a compelling summary of the reasons why the death penalty fails California. The new debate about the constitutionality of the use of lethal injection is just the most recent in a long line of complications in administering the death penalty - complications that will never be resolved.
One of the most important issues the editorial highlighted was the number of innocent death row inmates who have been exonerated in the last 30 years. With each day, there is more and more evidence that we have in fact executed an innocent person in modern times. This weekend the Chicago Tribune is starting a three-part series on the case of Carlos De Luna, a man who may have been wrongfully executed in 1989 by the state of Texas.
The execution of an innocent person is one of the strongest arguments for abolishing the death penalty. All too often, our justice system makes terrible mistakes by convicting innocent persons, and there must be a way of rectifying these mistakes. The execution of an innocent person is the ultimate governmental mistake that we cannot permit.
I thank The Star for taking a stand and writing a very compelling editorial on the reasons we should stop using the death penalty.
- Natasha Minsker,
Death penalty policy director, ACLU of Northern California, San Francisco
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:36 PM
Journey offers hope
Re: your June 22 editorial, “Time to end death penalty”:
This is an editorial long overdue. In my opinion, the execution of only one innocent person is enough to get rid of the death penalty everywhere.
As a mother of a murder victim, I felt like I had to practice what I preach and joined a group of people in Texas, who, in conjunction with the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, went on a Journey of Hope "From Violence to Reconciliation," a 17-day trip that started in Houston with a quiet vigil in front of the prison in Huntsville where executions take place.
These people came from many states, from Hawaii to Alaska, California to Massachusetts, and states in between. The group consisted of parents of murder victims, relatives of people on death row, mothers of executed victims and men who had spent many years on death row before finally being exonerated.
We had the opportunity to tell our stories in churches, high schools, colleges and universities, wherever we were invited, including speaking in front of the College of Law in Austin.
The reception we received from all, especially the young people, was very gratifying, especially when they acknowledged it by coming to give you a hug and thanking you for coming.
Our journey ended in Austin, where we met with the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
There will be another journey in Virginia this October, and, if at all possible, I hope to be there. I cannot think of a more worthwhile project for myself at this time of my life.
— Elvira Ramirez Crutcher, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:33 PM
Death penalty is costly
Re: your June 22 editorial, “Time to end death penalty”:
The editorial appeals to common sense dictating the abolishment of this form of punishment for murder and other forms of crimes against society. The approximately 65 percent of Americans — according to a Gallup Poll — who still favor this action simply don’t look at facts to come to a logical conclusion. It is self-evident they are only interested in retaliation or vengeance without regard for the life of an innocent man — there have been 123 exonerations since 1976 — or believing that this threat from society is actually a deterrent to crime.
As a moral issue, the debate will go on forever, with one person quoting scripture and another pleading for compassion. The Star’s editorial did not address the issue that even the most stubborn person cannot ignore: the staggering costs associated with capital punishment.
In California, it costs taxpayers more than $114 million annually to house condemned people beyond the cost of having these same people in isolated cells for the rest of their lives. Taxpayers have spent $250 million per execution for killers already put to death.
Add to this the fact that our governor has signed a bill to borrow and spend $220 million to more than double the size of death row. That money will have to be paid back by our children instead of spending it on housing or education.
We can do something about this. No judge can impose the death penalty if the jury refuses to impose the punishment in the first place. We can also tell Greg Totten, our district attorney, that we want life without parole for capital offences. Just for the record, Ventura County has sent 15 people to death row. The earliest was sentenced in 1980 and is still there.
— Bruce P. Hamilton, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:28 PM
June 15, 2006
Challenges face Santa Paula
As deeply saddened and disappointed as we are about the defeat of Measure E6, we are nevertheless grateful for the experience of working with so many dedicated and selfless people with whom we shared a vision for the future of Santa Paula. We are grateful to Rick Bianchi and Centex for listening to those of us who took the time and effort to participate in the many community meetings and the exciting charrette process. Centex came up with a project that we designed and that incorporated our vision for Santa Paula, not theirs.
We are grateful for the expertise and diligence of our city manager, city staff, city attorney and Planning Commission, all of whom worked to ensure that the project would benefit Santa Paula. We are grateful to our City Council members, who spent countless hours studying all aspects of the project and presided over so many meetings listening to public comment. We are proud of the class and dignity our council members displayed, even as they endured uncalled-for rudeness, insults and attacks on their integrity and intelligence.
We understand that some of the leading opponents of E6 have formed a group called Santa Paulans for Sensible Growth. We look forward to learning how the group proposes to address some of our city’s serious problems, including $70 million for the mandated sewage plant, our underfunded police and fire services, our overcrowded high school, our deteriorating infrastructure, insufficient park and recreational facilities and lack of quality housing for the middle class.
We remain open-minded and willing to cooperate with any group dedicated to the best interests of all Santa Paulans.
— Peter & Joanne Wright, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:53 AM
Hunters’ paradise
Gee, what a fine idea to hunt on Santa Rosa Island. Let's keep the elk herd alive so they can be killed. There are some in government, most of whom are members of the Republican Party, who can never get their fill of killing. Just take a look at the membership of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.
— Marge Hackett, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:44 AM
Show respect at graduation
Last year, we attended Buena High School's graduation. While it was a lovely ceremony, with many hours put into its planning, preparation and culmination, unfortunately it was badly disrupted.
The ceremony was marred by people who chose to blow air horns, stomp up and down and yell. We were unable to hear much of what was being said during the ceremony. What should have been an experience celebrating a milestone in these young adults' lives degenerated into an atmosphere that was more like a football game.
At one point we asked the man in front of us to stop blowing his air horn so that we could hear our son's name called. He did comply, but we missed quite a few of his friends’ names. We're sure most parents waited 13 years to hear their child's name called, only to have the two seconds it takes to announce it smothered by the din of multiple noisemakers and yelling people.
We hope this letter will make people stop and think so that the family and friends of this year's graduating class will have a more enjoyable ceremony.
— David & Pat Allen, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:37 AM
Shuffle the lifeguards
Re: your June 14 editorial, “Beach patrols require review”:
The Star listed several suggestions that Oxnard Police need to consider if beach patrols are halted. However, The Star failed to suggest that a lifeguard should be hired for the summer months and holidays that might preclude the need for SUV police patrols at Mandalay Beach and the Oxnard Beach Park.
It is an absolute shame that Hollywood Beach has two lifeguards where only one is needed, and Oxnard Beach Park and Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort have none. The County of Ventura has suggested to the City of Oxnard that they work together, but the city has declined.
Maybe a tragedy as horrible as this can be avoided in the future if a lifeguard was moved from Hollywood Beach to Oxnard Beach Park .How simple is that?
— Patrick M. Forrest, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:30 AM
Beach patrols help
Re: your June 14 editorial, “Beach patrols require review”:
It would behoove The Star, and the community at large, to wait until a full investigation has been concluded in order to determine exactly what might be done to prevent this kind of accident from happening again — if indeed that is a realistic expectation — before offering solutions.
The Star stated, “People go to the beach to play, to relax, to sunbathe.” There are also those who go to commit assault, get drunk and disorderly, litter, etc. I live near the beach where the accident occurred and appreciate both the patrols and the dedicated individuals who perform them. We do expect to see police vehicles on the beach, just as we expect to see the maintenance trucks, big rakes and tractors, and the truck driven by the fellow who tests water quality. Vehicles are thus a regular part of the scenery. While the onus of safety may indeed lie chiefly on the vehicles, a degree of caution is advised all around.
Let’s hear the gist of what the experts come up with about how to improve safety. These patrols have greatly curtailed the presence of maniacal off-road vehicle operators on our beaches. Words fail to convey the emotional devastation that must be endured by the surviving individuals. We must collectively make amends as best we can to the victim’s family. But we must also extend our condolences to the police officers involved because we need to show them that this horrible accident does not diminish the many years of dedicated service they have performed on behalf of law-abiding Oxnard citizens.
We hope to see them on the beach again, after things have been figured by the proper authorities.
— Donovan Rundle, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:28 AM
Tighter controls needed
Re: David Howard’s June 13 commentary, “Immigration rights, not immigration reform”:
It is not the xenophobic right, as Howard puts it, that is in favor of stricter controls. Across the country, 80 percent of the people, Democrats and Republicans, are in favor of tightening the border and getting a handle on illegal immigration. To the majority, it is a problem. Legislators are listening to their constituencies because the majority is speaking out.
Every country in the world has immigration controls. Most are much tougher than U.S. controls. In fact, only three countries, including the United States, allow any person born within its boundaries to automatically become citizens. Even Mexico does not tolerate illegal immigrants. They are restricted from certain jobs and are not entitled to government services. In Mexico, legal immigrants are limited as well.
Howard talks about true grass-roots organizations of working families. Who are these families? Are they beneficiaries of relaxed rules? I would imagine so.
The true grass roots are working families of Americans who cannot afford the burden of increased costs for education, medical services and all other free help to accommodate the illegal community. As an example, the Los Angeles Unified School District cost per student is about $16,000 per year for kindergarten through 12th grade. The census shows that the average number of children per household is 5.2 for Hispanics. Their taxes in no way begin to even pay for a portion of the education expense, much less the other costs to society.
In addition, the use of Social Security funds by these folks further weakens the program for those who have paid in for all of their working years as citizens. Howard should give the American people some credit for not buying into the call for open borders and continued giveaways.
— Jack A. Freeman, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:16 AM
A long, long wait
Re: your June 9 article, “Patience, time, cash needed for green card”:
The article puts the lie to those letter writers and right-wing talk show hosts who blabber about anchor babies or wonder why illegals don’t just do it the legal way. As the article pointed out, many would never get in legally, no matter how long they waited.
I would also like to address some of the other misconceptions about illegal immigration. Many assumed all those in the protest march were here illegally. Citizens and legal residents also took part. Those complaining about the “Aztlan” radicals need to realize they are a small part of the protesters and of the community.
Several writers suggested that the people return home and reform their “rich” country. Mexico has fewer resources than we have and many problems that we don’t. It has no big Midwest breadbasket to feed the world and make it rich. Much of the country is either desert or jungle.
Some complained about the difference in Mexico’s enforcement of immigration laws compared with ours. Mexico’s economy is about one-eighteenth the size of ours. It does not have enough jobs. Obviously, it has to have tougher immigration laws than we do.
People complained about signs indicating that illegals helped build America, but it is true. It seems to be human nature to look down at those we consider inferior — for example, calling illegals “criminals.”
Breaking the immigration laws is a civil infraction, the same as a traffic ticket. I haven’t seen people who get a traffic ticket called “criminals.”
I acknowledge that there are many problems caused by the influx of illegal aliens. I would just like to see a more rational discourse and less name-calling.
— Alex Magdaleno, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:06 AM
June 14, 2006
Invasion must be stopped
Re: David Howard’s June 13 commentary, “Immigration rights, not immigration reform”:
Unfortunately, the invasion problem in our country is with illegal aliens, not legal immigrants. Legal immigrants have rights, whereas illegal aliens do not, nor should they demand any. Too many people assume that all those who come across our borders are nice, hard-working people just looking for work. This just isn't reality!
Wake up, America! Identify theft is rampant, drugs are coming across by tons, crime rates are up, wages are decreasing due to cheap labor, our schools are failing, hospital care is overwhelmed, and all of these problems are at the expense of American taxpaying citizens. The invasion is real, and America, as we know it, will never be the same if this invasion isn't stopped! Look at the facts, America!
— Sue Terry, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:56 AM
Spend money wisely
Considering that Highway 101 from Sanjon Road to the Santa Barbara County line resembles a road in some Third World country, wouldn’t our highway dollars be better spent repairing the roadway than some electronic sign that really serves no useful purpose?
— Charles E. Voigtsberger, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:35 AM
Lessons of history
It has been said, “Those who do not learn from the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.” We were told that if we did not stop communism in Vietnam, it would spread and take over all of Asia. We wasted over 50,000 lives of our young men, until finally we just quit and came home.
Vietnam is now all Communist and they are our friends. We will eventually just quit in Iraq and come home. They, through their civil war, will settle their own matters. Why go on wasting the lives of our young men and continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars down that rat hole? President Johnson was quoted as having said he “was not going down in history as the first president to have lost a war.” His pride, and then President Nixon’s ongoing futile attempt, wasted our youth. Right now, U.S. desertions are up, enlisting is down, and young men are fleeing to Canada.
Will we ever learn? There is no light at the end of the tunnel. Bring the boys home now.
— Howard Landon, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:32 AM
Foolish comments
I watched a recent Oxnard Planning Commission meeting in total awe! The comments made by some planning commissioners about Centex Homes’ proposed development on the corner of Oxnard Boulevard and Gonzales Road were inept, foolish and downright insulting! How could these insensitive people actually be appointed to advise the City Council in the first place? Who on the council appointed these people?
Comments like: “The schools are already overcrowded, so what will a hundred more homes do?” Or: “The traffic is already bad, so what’s a few hundred more cars doing to do?” And: “If the train noise is bad, don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” These comments reflect a mentality that has tainted Oxnard’s image for decades. These comments, and there were many more, are downright insulting to the residents of Oxnard.
Only commissioners Saul Medina, Mike Sanchez and Dale Dean really spoke with thoughtful and respectful comments. Commissioner Medina has continually given great thought and foresight to all of his comments. I have heard him state he has visited the sites in question to see how that project fits the neighborhood. That is a sign of someone “who really cares.” Commissioner Medina, along with Commissioners Sanchez and Dean, are the voices of true long-term planning in the city.
I can only hope that this City Council and Planning Commission will reject the Centex Homes project, build the sports park they promised and show the residents of Oxnard they really do care.
— Karen Martia, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:28 AM
Pothole damaged car
I was born and raised in Oxnard. It is the only city I have really known. Even though my family remains true to our city, the city hasn’t remained true to my family.
Oxnard says that it is a “City that Cares.” However, it has shown it does not care. April 1, around 9:30 p.m., I was traveling down Gonzales Road, going the speed limit, if that, when I hit a huge pothole. My car isn’t very big, so the pothole damaged my car. I had two witnesses in the car with me and all of us noticed something was wrong once my steering wheel started to shake.
After paying a little bit more than $600 to repair the damage to my car, I filed a claim with the city of Oxnard. The city rejected my claim. This is injustice to the people who live and drive in Oxnard. If city officials really cared, they would make an effort to keep our roads in decent condition.
— Jennifer Whaley, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:26 AM
Nine ballots available
Re: Gerald Schwanke’s June 9 letter, “Where were the ballots”:
As an inspector in a Ventura County polling place, I can confirm that we had decline-to-state ballots for nonpartisans to vote Democrat, American Independent or Republican. I issued several of each. Perhaps the problem that Mr. Schwanke encountered came from some confusion in his precinct. We had, I think, nine different ballots to deal with, as well as a totally different voting system.
My problem with the decline-to-state nonpartisan ballots is that we were instructed not to suggest to nonpartisan voters that they had these options. A few of the more astute voters knew about their options, requested these ballots and were given what they asked for. In a couple of situations, one of a married couple, both registered as nonpartisan, asked for a decline-to-state ballot and the spouse heard the request but was only interested in the straight nonpartisan ballot.
The ballot types issued to nonpartisan voters was recorded in precinct records.
An error in Mr. Schwanke’s letter is that picture identification is no longer required to submit a provisional ballot.
— Burt Elliott, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:22 AM
Mikels can blame herself
Re: Jack Brewer’s June 11 letter, ‘Just plain rude’:
I have to agree with Mr. Brewer. Judy Mikels claimed her defeat was due to bad politics and a mudslinging campaign on the part of her opponents. Mikels fails to recognize how many people she has offended and that there are those who went to the polls only to vote her out. Jim Dantona and Peter Foy had very little to do with it.
Mikels’ arrogance caught up with her. Too bad she wasn’t able to “legislate stupidity” after all.
— Clay Gillette,
Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:21 AM
June 12, 2006
Coastal intrigue
On Wednesday, the California Coastal Commission votes on whether to allow the Pebble Beach Company to build yet another golf course, as well as mansions and resort development, in the largest remaining Monterey pine forest in the world.
Just before Wednesday’s big vote, Assemblyman Fabian Nuñez, D-Los Angeles, sent a letter to the Coastal Commission announcing that he was replacing Coastal Commissioner Alternate David Allgood, who has a proven commitment to the Coastal Act and was scheduled to vote on Wednesday.
Why this last-minute effort by Nunez to remove Allgood, who understands and supports the Coastal Act? Is Nunez trying to make big campaign contributors happy by stacking the vote in favor of a large development and golf course in a sensitive, coastal ecological area?
Legally, Nuñez has no right to take this action, since the Coastal Act provides that only coastal commissioners themselves can choose their own alternates, and Allgood has already been chosen by Commissioner Steve Padilla to sit as Padilla's alternate for Wednesday’s vote, at which a whole forest of Monterey pines hangs in the balance.
Please let Fabian Nuñez know we have enough golf courses already, but only one remaining largest Monterey pine forest.
— Jim Yarbrough, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:50 PM
279 tons of pollution
I finally agree with the proponents of BHP Billiton’s proposed liquefied natural gas facility, Cabrillo Port.
I attended the Environmental Protection Agency’s public hearing June 5 on BHP’s air permit and realized the issue really is NIMBY — Not In My Back Yard: 279 tons of air pollution right in our back yards!
According to the EPA, Cabrillo Port would annually emit nearly 279 tons of various air pollutants, including 66.05 tons of nitrogen oxide.
What doesn’t make sense to me is that the EPA decided the more stringent rules that apply to new sources of air pollution in Ventura County's onshore non-attainment area would not apply to Cabrillo Port. Cabrillo Port would be located just 14 miles from the Ventura County onshore non-attainment area, where pollutants are restricted, but 18 miles from Anacapa Island.
Am I the only one who notices the wind blowing from the west towards the shore, away from Anacapa Island? That’s just bending the rules so BHP can pollute our back yard.
— Jill A. Singer, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:40 PM
High cost of daycare
Re: your June 6 summary, “Star's positions on state propositions”:
I take issue with the statement, “Taxpayer money would be better spent assisting families that cannot afford preschool, not boosting the incomes of those that can.”
My husband and I have our small son in daycare, not because we have extra money that we want to throw around, but we because we both have to work to pay our mortgage, bills and put food on the table. Our family insurance is provided through my employer, so staying home is not an option for me.
The fact that our son is in daycare, which is 68 percent of my income, does not mean that free preschool would “boost the income” of those who can afford to pay for daycare. We pay for daycare because our other option would be to go without healthcare coverage, as we cannot afford to purchase insurance on our own. We budget and spend our money carefully to be able to afford the things we need to have.
I believe that Proposition 82 should not have passed because not enough money goes to education as it is, and any extra money should go to schools and teachers, since it would be well-deserved.
I do not believe that Proposition 82 should not have passed so that people who are not poor and classified as low-income can be punished simply for making slightly enough to afford daycare.
— Sunshine R. Cheek, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:33 PM
Athens had its flaws
Re: George A. Papandreou’s June 11, commentary, “Choosing candidates – the Athenian way”:
While Papandreou is correct about the basic facts of ancient Athenian democracy, there is much that he omitted which would indicate that it was not as populist a system as he wants us to believe.
He cites the Council of 500 as an example of a populist institution chosen by lot, but the average Athenian did not often place his name among those to be chosen. The reason for this was that the council was a time-consuming occupation. Its members met frequently on both legislative and administrative matters. A poor Athenian could not take the time from his farm or trade to attend the council regularly. The result was that only wealthy Athenians could afford that particular type of public service.
In addition, the legislative assemblies open to all Athenians were not well attended. While the city did pay citizens a stipend to attend, it was a paltry sum and was not sufficient to entice poor voters to attend regularly.
The result of this situation was an administrative council dominated by the upper class and an assembly attended regularly only by middle and upper class voters. Since this is the very situation that Papandreou decries in our modern democracies, why would he want to exchange one bad situation for another?
The answer can be found in his attachment to the process known as “deliberative polling.” The politically ignorant voters assembled through this process are magically turned into informed and eloquent voters capable of deciding important issues, all in the space of a single afternoon. The briefing materials helpfully provided for them are, quite naturally, compiled by wholly non-partisan sources.
This, of course, is complete nonsense.
Papandreou’s rosy picture of an untarnished Athenian populism is merely a rhetorical flourish meant to disguise the true intent behind the push for deliberative polling: Since he and others like him cannot win with the informed and engaged voters of primaries, then they will be replaced with uninformed and easily manipulated voters.
— Sean Paroski, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:10 PM
Copyright school events
It's awful creepy to think there was someone in the stands filming our community's daughters' stadium cheerleading and sellin